Video: Appeal to host cyclists in Cookstown in Cycle Against Suicide

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Gavin Butler

Published:08:56Friday 18 March 2016

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Would you like the chance to show a random act of kindness in aid of a worthwhile cause?

On Tuesday, April 26th hundreds of cyclists will depart Phoenix Park in Dublin to take part in the fourth annual Cycle Against Suicide around Ireland.

Teresa McKenna (centre), Homestay Coordinator with Cycle Against Suicide, along with some of the Homestay Group members, Nicole Devlin and Pauline O�Kane.

After stops at Virginia in Cavan and Monaghan Town, the third overnight break will be at Cookstown and the organisers are appealing to kind-hearted townsfolk to host a stay by one or more of the 350 cyclists as they make their way across Ulster towards Omagh and then on to Stranorlar in Donegal.

“Let’s break the cycle of suicide in Ireland,” said Pauline O’Kane from Magherafelt, a volunteer in the group arranging the homestays. “This is an important issue in our community and the message needs to be heard by everyone.

“If you can spare a bed on Tuesday 26th April to help support the campaign, please contact our homestay group or register through the Campaign Against Suicide website.

“I was involved in the hosting in 2014, the year when it was in Maghera and I am keen to make it a success in Mid Ulster this year.”

My family accommodated four cyclists in our home for the one night and it was a remarkable experience that evening

Brian MacAuley

Teresa McKenna, part of the volunteer group, said: “Cycle Against Suicide operates a Homestay Programme that sees people from across the island of Ireland open up their homes to participants of the Cycle each year providing them with a warm meal, a chance to freshen up and a bed for the night.

“We are appealing to anyone in the Mid Ulster area that has a spare bed to house a cyclist of support member for the one night.

“This unique initiative facilitates a conversation around mental health in homes – with and between families. It also provides an opportunity for people to lend their support in a very tangible way to Cycle Against Suicide without necessarily having to get on a bike.”

Brian MacAuley from Dungannon Enterprise Centre and his wife Caroline provided accommodation in their home in 2014.

“My family accommodated four cyclists in our home for the one night and it was a remarkable experience that evening. What surprised most me was that the cyclists, which in my view were doing all the hard work, were humbled by the free hospitality provided where ever they went.”

To find out more follow the Facebook page ‘Cycle Against Suicide Cookstown Homestay’ or register on the website www.cycleagainstsuicide.com.